Lecture title - Salivary glands

3 important questions on Lecture title - Salivary glands

What do the salivary glands secrete?

1. Mucus
2. Enzymes
3. Electrolytes (Na+, Cl-)
4. Water

How does the body prevent the loss of electrolytes via saliva?

In response to aldosterone, Na+ and Cl- are reabsorbed and returned to the blood stream in the collecting ducts, in exchange for K+ and HCO3-

What affects the composition of saliva?

1. Hydration status: aldosterone release from dehydration can lead to more Na+ reabsorption from salivary glands
2. Type of salivary glands: parotid (mostly serous), others (mucous/mixed)
  • Parotid gland secretion in ruminants is voluminous and alkaline (high Na+/HCO3-) for buffering rumen

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